Robert “Ray” Puckett

Robert “Ray” Puckett, 87, lifelong resident of the Oak Hill Community joined his heavenly Father on Thursday, June 14, 2017.  Born in Burke County, NC on April 25, 1930, he was the son of the late William Walter Puckett and Mattie Mae Fox Puckett.  Ray was a member of Mtn. Grove United Methodist Church.  He was a US Army veteran of the Korean War, worked for 64 years at Drexel Heritage Plant 3 and 5, and ran his own saw mill for over 40 years.  He was a lifetime member of the Burke County Rescue Squad, was a supporter and member of the Burke History Museum, was a member of AARP Chapter #3262, and was a Hospice Veteran Program volunteer.  Ray was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed socializing with friends at the Oak Hill Grill and Morrison’s Body Shop, reading his bible, and loved Atlanta Braves baseball.

He was a man of few words, but he had a large heart.  He loved his family dearly.  He enjoyed helping people and visiting with other veterans.

Ray also loved to garden.  Along with his wife, Glenda, they maintained 3 gardens each year and shared their vegetables with friends and family.  They had perfected the art of gardening and produced enough food for the entire year.

Mr. Puckett is survived by his wife, Glenda Irene Tucker Barrier of the home; nieces and nephews, Judy Hudson, Gail Mitchem, Keith Puckett (Cathy), and Leslie Puckett Keller (David); special great-nephew, Trent Hudson; special niece and friend, Betsy Steele; a number of great-nieces and nephews; step-daughter, Margaret Sturgill; step-son, Howard W. Barrier, Jr.; and lifelong friend, Teresa Adkins.

In addition to his parents, Ray was preceded in death by his first wife, Sue H. Puckett; sister, Ruby I. Puckett; and brothers, William “Bill” James Puckett and Danny Walter Puckett.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 6:30 p.m., Saturday, June 17, 2017 at Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center.  The funeral will be held at 4 pm, Sunday, June 18, 2017 at the Mtn. Grove United Methodist Church with the Rev. Kathy McAbee and the Rev. Neal F. Brantley, Jr. officiating.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military honors provided by the N.C. National Guard and the Caldwell County Veterans Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mtn. Grove United Methodist Church, 3625 Fish Hatchery Road, Morganton, NC 28655 or to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.